Improvement in can-openers



:aient Qtiitirr.

JOSEPH KAUrM-AN., or. NEW YORK', N. Y.'

Lettersftmzt No. 107,061, ddtedSqJtembe/r 6, 1870.v

mf- IMPROVEMENT mr'c: AN- ope'ruinas The Schedule referred to in these Let-ters Patent and marking part of the same l, JOSEPH K'UFMAN, of the v cit-y, county, and State of N ew York, have invented' certain Improvenientsin Metallic Can-Openers, of which the following is a specification.

Nature mul Object. 'This inventionjrelates to'that class of devices used in the opening of cans and boxes, made of sheet-- xnetal', `for presen-ing meats and vegetables, and which prawny.

Figure l is a view in elevation ot' the opener `complete. v

Figures 2 and 3 are views ot' sardine-boxes with the lids so cut that they may be easily lifted to uncover the contents of the box.

vFigure 4 is a view of the cutting-edge of fig. 41, as best .adapted for fruit or meat-cans, which are usually of a cylindlicalform. A, iig. l, represents the handle, which may he made of wood, so shaped as to be convenient'to the hand, as in any ordinary stamp.

B B isY the cutter, formed ot a strip of steel or similar.substance,to'i'urnish durable Vpoints or cuttingedges, and said points are first formed similar to those ot saw-teeth, andthen led or ground wholly from one side, as shown in the drawing, so that the points of the teeth will be Hush with the side ot' the cutter next to the'h'andle.

The handle, being made to conform to the shape and size of the can or box, or whatever hole or opening required, gives shape to the cutter asit is bentaround it or fastened upon it, or the cutter may be shaped to correspond with the handle, and then be fastened upon it, as indicated in the. drawing.

The upper edge of said cutter should bear against ashonlder near the-lower end of the handle, so as to relieve the action of the blows upon the nails or screws that attach it tothe handle.

A space may be left in the cutter, as shown at C, figs. 1 and 4, so that the cover or cap will not be entirely'severed, but thereby leave the cover attached to the can or box as a hinge.

A similar representation is indicated .in the boxes at gs. 2 and 3, where only three sides are-cut, leaving the fourth to serve as a hinge.

Thestamp or opener is intended to be made of any shape to snit the taste or convenience ot' the user, b ut it will always operate. best when made ,to conform mostnearly to the shape and size of the can orbox, as by so doing a firmer bearing is given to thecover to be cut.

Itis evident that the form and shape of the teeth may be considerably varied, and still perform the. functions of my invention but the points, with the cutting-edges between, ike those of a scalloped cutter on harvesters, I have found 'to be the best, as a cutting-edge is there )y formed from one end to the other.

I do not, therefore, wish to be limited to this eX- aotdevce; but

What I claim is- A cutting-stamp or can-opener, substantially as described.

JOSEPH KAUFMAN. Witnesses:

E. N. ELloT, A. B. PARYER. 

